May182011

Windows Vista SP1 End of Support on July 12, 2011

Microsoft Small Business today announced that Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) will reach the end of support on July 12, 2011. “From that date onward, Microsoft will no longer provide support or free security updates for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1). In order to stay secure and continue support you must upgrade to Service Pack 2 (SP2),” Microsoft stated.

“Customers running an unsupported version of Windows or service pack willn’t be eligible for any of our support options. Updates, including security updates released with bulletins from the Microsoft Security Response Centre, will be reviewed and built for the supported versions and sps only. The most current sps are available to organisations, and they’re easily deployed via Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services/Microsoft System Centre, and the Microsoft Download Centre. To better understand the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy and your support options visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle page,” added Microsoft.

“There’s no supported migration path from Windows 2000 to Windows 7 using Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT). You’ll need to upgrade to XP and then migrate to Windows 7 using USMT 4.0, a tool included with the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK). For more information on Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Server End of Support visit Windows 2000 End of Support Solution Centre.

Updating Windows XP, Vista and 2000 PCs before the end of mainstream support dates will ensure your PCs stay supported and receive security updates. The best way to be secure and supported is by migrating to Windows 7.”

Products no longer supported

As announced in 2008, support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2*) ended on July 13, 2010.

Also announced in 2008, support for Windows 2000 ended on July 13, 2010.

Support for Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing (RTM) ended April 13, 2010.

Deepak Gupta is a IT & Web Consultant. He is the founder and CEO of diTii.com & DIT Technologies, where he's engaged in providing Technology Consultancy, Design and Development of Desktop, Web and Mobile applications using various tools and softwares. Sign-up for the Email for daily updates. Google+ Profile.